Therapy for School Issues in Illinois
In-Person & Online Therapy for Kids with School Issues in West Dundee & Chicago, IL
Supportive therapy for children and teens struggling with school stress, avoidance, or refusal- helping them feel safer, more regulated, and more confident in the school environment.
Sessions are available in person and virtually, so you can access help in a way that fits your life.
School can be overwhelming for some children and teens. Academic pressure, transitions, performance expectations, sensory overload, or separation anxiety can all contribute to school-related distress. Over time, this may lead to school avoidance or refusal, where attending school feels emotionally or physically unbearable.
At Sohail Counseling, we offer therapy for school issues to help children and adolescents understand what’s driving their distress and develop tools to feel more supported and capable at school. We work with families across Illinois, including Chicago and West Dundee, using a compassionate, collaborative approach.
Who School-Related Issues Therapy Is For
Therapy for school issues may be helpful if your child or teen:
Experiences intense anxiety related to school
Frequently asks to stay home or struggles to attend school
Has physical symptoms (stomachaches, headaches, nausea) tied to school days
Feels overwhelmed by academic expectations
Has difficulty with transitions, routines, or structure
Is experiencing school avoidance or school refusal
Becomes emotionally dysregulated before or during school
A formal diagnosis is not required to begin therapy.
Common School-Related Challenges We Address:
School-related distress can show up in many ways, including:
Difficulty separating from caregivers
Anxiety about performance, tests, or grades
Emotional shutdown or meltdowns before school
Frequent absences or refusal to attend school
Increased stress around homework or assignments
Trouble adjusting to new schools, schedules, or expectations
These challenges are often rooted in anxiety, nervous system overwhelm, or unmet support needs- not defiance or lack of motivation.
What Therapy for School Issues Looks Like
Therapy focuses on understanding the why behind school struggles and supporting gradual, sustainable progress.
Sessions may include:
Helping children and teens identify school-related stressors
Teaching emotional regulation and coping skills
Reducing anxiety responses connected to school routines
Supporting gradual re-engagement with school when avoidance is present
Collaborating with parents to create consistent, supportive strategies
When appropriate, we may also help families think through accommodations or supports that reduce school-related overwhelm.
Our Therapeutic Approach
We use developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approaches, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Anxiety-informed and trauma-sensitive care
Mindfulness and nervous system regulation
Parent support and coaching when helpful
Therapy is tailored to your child’s age, temperament, and specific school challenges.
How Therapy Helps with School Avoidance & Refusal
Therapy for school avoidance and school refusal helps children and teens:
Feel safer and more regulated around school expectations
Build tolerance for difficult emotions tied to school
Reduce anxiety-driven physical symptoms
Develop confidence in managing school-related stress
Create realistic, compassionate plans for attendance and engagement
The goal is not to force attendance, but to address the emotional barriers that make school feel unmanageable.
Therapy for School Issues in Chicago, West Dundee & Illinois
We proudly provide therapy for children dealing with school issues in Chicago, West Dundee, and throughout Illinois.
Virtual sessions can be especially helpful for children and teens who feel overwhelmed leaving home.
In Network Coverage
We’re in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare in Illinois & Michigan.
We’ll confirm your benefits before your first therapy session and walk you through every step- steady support, no surprises.
Private Pay Rates
Our session rates are $150 for individual therapy and $175 for couples therapy.
We value transparency and accessibility. Sliding-scale options may be available, and you’ll receive a Good Faith Estimate to plan with clarity and ease.
Out of Network Support
If you have out-of-network benefits, we’ll provide a superbill and help you navigate reimbursement.
Our goal is to make therapy accessible and supportive from start to finish.
Our Promise To You
You deserve therapy that feels real, steady, and human.
Here’s what that means at Sohail Counseling & Care:
• Warmth before everything: You don’t have to have the perfect words to begin. We’ll meet you with care, curiosity, and respect for your story.
• Pace that honors you: Healing takes time. We move at the rhythm that feels right, building safety and trust first.
• Grounded, compassionate growth: Therapy here isn’t about fixing you; it’s about helping you come home to yourself-with tools that support your everyday life.
Our therapists are committed to trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that helps you feel safe, seen, and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for School Refusal
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School avoidance often develops gradually due to anxiety or overwhelm, while school refusal may involve intense emotional distress that makes attendance feel impossible.
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Yes. Therapy helps address the emotional and nervous system responses driving avoidance, making school feel more manageable over time.
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Yes. Parent involvement is often an important part of supporting progress and consistency.
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Yes. We offer secure online therapy across Illinois.